Turkmenbashi City, also known as Türkmenbaşy, is a port city located on the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan. It is the administrative center of Balkan Province and has a population of around 110,000 people.
The city was previously known as Krasnovodsk and was an important railway junction during the Soviet era. After gaining independence, the city was renamed Turkmenbashi in honor of Saparmurat Niyazov, the first president of Turkmenistan who referred to himself as Turkmenbashi, meaning "Father of all Turkmen."
Turkmenbashi is a significant industrial and transportation hub, with industries including oil and gas processing, petrochemicals, and construction. It is also home to Turkmenbashi International Seaport, one of the largest ports on the Caspian Sea, which serves as a major gateway for trade and transportation between Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The city features many modern amenities and infrastructure, including hotels, shopping centers, parks, and cultural attractions. The Avaza National Tourist Zone, a popular beach resort area, is located nearby Turkmenbashi and attracts both domestic and international tourists.
Turkmenbashi City is known for its grand architectural projects, reflecting the extravagant style of President Niyazov. One of the notable landmarks is the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, a massive mosque with a gold dome and four minarets. The city also features the Turkmenbashi Monument, a large statue of President Niyazov, and the Ruhnama Tower, a 91-meter high building dedicated to the Ruhnama, Niyazov's spiritual guidebook.
Overall, Turkmenbashi City serves as an important economic and cultural center in Turkmenistan, attracting visitors with its modern infrastructure, coastal attractions, and unique architectural landmarks.